Details can be found in the E-planning section of the Stratford District Councilsite.

Duchy Homes have now reluctantly accepted that they will need to provide 6 “affordable” houses though they will be for sale at a permanent discount to the market value – with preference to people with a local connection – rather than for rental.

However, the other twelve houses – and the replacement dwelling for Dean Cottage – are very large indeed and their layout in the site gives cause for concern because of the impact on the Green Belt in general and views towards the village.

The planning number is 18/02392/REM and the closing date for additional comments is Tuesday 19 March.

£100,000 of National Lottery funding is up for grabs to celebrate community spirit across the wider West Midlands region.

Following the huge success of the first Mayor’s Community Weekend last year, communities across the West Midlands – including Warwickshire – are being given double the cash to host celebrations this summer.

Grants of up to £500 will be on offer to groups across the region.

The aim of the Mayor’s Community Weekend on Saturday 29 June and Sunday 30 June 2019 is to bring people and communities together, to celebrate the experiences they share and make new memories. It will encourage people from all walks of life to build stronger community bonds and embrace community spirit by holding events such as a street party, a sports festival or a picnic in the park.

Communities can apply for funding from 9am on Friday 22 February to hold an event during the Mayor’s Community Weekend. Applications close at 9pm on Sunday 17 March.

Criminals are finding more sophisticated methods to steal from us when we use the internet. It is a full- time job keeping abreast of the latest counter measures.

That’s why our sister organisation, Earlswood and Forshaw Heath Residents Association, has asked the Cyber Crime Team from Cybersafe Warwickshire – promoted by the Office of the Police Crime and Commissioner – to come and share their knowledge with residents of the parish as a whole. Cybersafe gave a brief presentation at the recent Earlswood AGM.

There will be another presentation, open to all residents of the parish, on Thursday 28 March at 19:30 at Ladbrook Park Golf Clubin Poolhead Lane.

The golf club will host the event as neither village hall was available. Residents will be able to buy drinks and food at the golf club should they wish.

The presentation will be made by Joe and Abbey from Cybersafe Warwickshire . It will last about one and a half hours and there will be an opportunity afterwards to speak to Joe and Abbey on an individual basis.

Major road works planned for early in the New Year have been delayed until the Autumn of 2019.

Severn Trent Water had planned the replacement of mains water pipes along Tom Hill, Butts Lane, Doctor’s Hill and The Green from 7 January. This would have meant major traffic disruption in the village for many weeks.

Since early July Tanworth Village Hall has opened its doors every Wednesday afternoon to enable the community to come together and join in gentle leisure pursuits.

Initially, the hall committee wished to establish if there was sufficient demand to warrant heating the hall throughout the winter months to justify such activities continuing. Demand has been such that the doors remain open. Residents have been able to enjoy Bingo, Draughts (the game not a chill!), a game called ‘Frustration’(It is well named) and to stimulate memories with playing cards and the occasional quiz.

In the summer we enjoyed a little light piano playing from a young talented teenager now back at school. We would welcome any local resident to come along and entertain us at the keyboard.

Doors open every Wednesday afternoon at 2.30pm and close between 4.30pm and 5.00pm depending upon the state of games at the time. Refreshments in the form or tea or coffee with biscuits are provided in exchange for a small donation.

All are welcome, do come along and meet old friends and make some new ones.

Duchy Homes, who have acquired the Cank Farm site, have now submitted a detailed planning application regarding the 18 houses and the existing farmhouse.

They have also sought permission from Stratford District to buy out, by means of a cash payment, the requirement, agreed at outline planning stage in 2014, to include six “affordable” houses.

Such a waiver would seem to be at variance with the importance placed on “more affordable” houses in our emerging Neighbourhood Development Plan.

Residents are encouraged to make their views on Duchy Homes plans known to both the Parish Council.

District Councillor George Atkinson originallysupported the application but he has now withdrawn that support. He has, however, not yet objected to the removal of the obligation to include “affordable” housing on the Cank Farm site.

Please go to the SDC E-planning website and see the details of the application. The relevant number is 18/02392/REM

The plans can be viewed at the Parish Office by prior appointment. Call Julie or Sue on 703200.

Steve Hird of Duchy Homes addressed the Parish Council Planning Committee at Tanworth Village Hall on Thursday September 6.

A resident has suggested it might be useful to set out in detail how to comment on a current planning application.

The conventional way is to write to Stratford District Council at Elizabeth House, Stratford Upon Avon CV37 6HX quoting the relevant number currently 18/00000/FUL followed by some letters which describe the kind of Application.

The planners tend to disregard loads of letters that are all in the same style or use the same form of words.

The much easier way that allows residents to view plans and the comments of others is to go to the SDC website:

Tanworth School and Nursery is looking for a local resident to serve as a school governor. That person does not have to have an existing connection with the school.

Some of the existing governors are parents who, despite all the demands of having a young family and, usually, full-time jobs, are prepared to give up their precious time to bring their unique perspective to running our school and nursery. Other governors have an education background and are able to use that experience to help shape and monitor the learning that we offer.

Equally important are those who can bring a strong business background and experience to the governor role.

The Chairman of the Governors thinks such business experience is essential if the headteacher and her staff are to be able to focus on helping our children to learn and achieve their best.

Anyone with a business background, particularly in commercial accounting or financial management, or in buildings and asset management, either from the private or public sector, whether retired or nearing the end of a career, is particularly asked to consider becoming a school governor.

For more information contact Bob Perks on 07891 432881 or e-mail him at perks_robert@hotmail.co.uk. Note that is perks underscore Robert.